Sourdough Discard Crackers with Sesame Seeds

The beauty of these Sourdough Discard Crackers lies in their simplicity and sustainability. Crafted from leftover sourdough starter, they’re an excellent example of how zero-waste cooking can be delicious and practical. Each cracker is baked to a crisp, golden finish and enhanced with aromatic sesame seeds and sea salt for a burst of savory flavor in every bite.

Perfectly suited for dips, cheese platters, or snacking on their own, these crackers are an easy go-to for any time of day. Their thin, crisp texture and deep umami taste will have everyone reaching for more. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, these sourdough discard crackers are the crunchy snack you’ll feel good about making (and eating!).

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed, from the fridge)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (white or black, or a mix)

• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, mix sourdough discard, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and herbs (if using) until smooth and well combined.

3. Pour the mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and spread it thinly and evenly using an offset spatula. Aim for a thickness of 1/8-inch or less.

4. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the surface. Add a light touch of flaky sea salt on top.

5. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to score into cracker-sized squares.

6. Return to the oven and bake for another 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

7. Let cool completely on the baking sheet before breaking along the scored lines. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 145 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Sourdough Discard Crackers with Sesame Seeds – A Crispy, Crunchy Zero-Waste Snack That You’ll Love

If you’ve ever ventured into the world of sourdough baking, you know the inevitable result: sourdough discard. For many home bakers, this tangy, inactive portion of starter ends up in the trash or compost. But what if we told you that your sourdough discard could be transformed into something as delightful as it is sustainable? These Sourdough Discard Crackers with Sesame Seeds are the perfect solution.

Not only do they make use of what would otherwise be food waste, but they also deliver crisp, flavorful, and deeply satisfying results with minimal ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome homemade snack, something crunchy for your charcuterie board, or a cracker that pairs well with dips and spreads, this recipe will quickly become a pantry staple.

Why Use Sourdough Discard?

Sourdough discard is simply the leftover portion of sourdough starter you remove before feeding your active culture. While it may no longer be active enough to leaven bread, it still retains a pleasant tangy flavor that adds depth and complexity to baked goods.

Using discard in recipes is a fantastic way to reduce food waste and save money while adding probiotic-rich goodness to your snacks. These crackers don’t rely on additional flour or yeast; the discard alone provides just the right amount of texture and rise needed to make a perfectly crunchy bite.

The Magic of Minimal Ingredients

One of the most appealing aspects of these sourdough discard crackers is how simple they are to make. You only need a few pantry staples:

• Sourdough discard: The main base, bringing tang, structure, and slight fermentation flavor.

• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps create a crisp, light texture.

• Salt: Enhances flavor.

• Optional herbs and spices: Garlic powder, thyme, or rosemary elevate the flavor profile.

• Sesame seeds: These add nuttiness, crunch, and a toasted flavor that pairs beautifully with the sourdough base.

• Flaky sea salt: A final sprinkle provides bursts of salty crunch and an elegant finish.

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Feel free to play with flavors, you can swap sesame seeds for poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or nigella seeds, or mix in za’atar, fennel, or even chili flakes for a bolder version.

Nutritional Value and Dietary Benefits

These crackers offer more than just taste, they provide a solid nutritional profile, especially when compared to processed store-bought alternatives. Sourdough is known to contain beneficial bacteria from its fermentation process, which can improve digestion. It also tends to have a lower glycemic index than other forms of bread or crackers, meaning it has a gentler impact on blood sugar levels.

Plus, sesame seeds are tiny nutrient powerhouses. They’re rich in calcium, magnesium, iron, and healthy fats. They also contain lignans and antioxidants that support heart health and reduce inflammation. When paired with olive oil, which is packed with monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, this recipe becomes a health-conscious snacking choice.

Perfect for Every Occasion

These sourdough discard crackers are incredibly versatile. They make a fantastic:

• Afternoon snack – With a bit of hummus or guacamole.

• Lunchbox addition – Great for both kids and adults.

• Charcuterie board item – Pair with cheeses, meats, or chutneys.

• Appetizer base – Top with herbed cream cheese, smoked salmon, or roasted veggies.

• Soup topper – Adds a crunchy contrast to creamy soups like butternut squash or tomato bisque.

Because they’re thin and crisp, they store well for up to a week in an airtight container, making them a convenient grab-and-go snack for busy lifestyles.

Tips for Success

Making crackers might sound intimidating at first, but this recipe is beginner-friendly and forgiving. Here are a few expert tips to ensure success:

• Spread thinly and evenly: Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to ensure an even thickness. Thinner batter equals crispier crackers.

• Watch your bake time: Oven temperatures can vary. Keep an eye on the crackers during the last 10 minutes, you want golden, not burnt.

• Score before final bake: After the initial 10-minute bake, scoring the batter will allow for easier breaking once cooled.

• Get creative: This base recipe is an open canvas. Try adding grated parmesan, nutritional yeast, or even black pepper for added flavor.

Sustainable, Delicious, and Satisfying

There’s something deeply satisfying about transforming leftovers into something special. These crackers embody that satisfaction, they’re not just a way to avoid waste; they’re genuinely crave-worthy. In a time when sustainability and mindfulness in the kitchen are more important than ever, recipes like these help you do both: care for the planet and treat yourself.

With their crunchy texture, savory flavor, and wholesome ingredients, these sourdough discard crackers are likely to become a go-to in your home kitchen. They prove that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something greater than the sum of their parts.

Conclusion

Sourdough Discard Crackers with Sesame Seeds are more than just a way to use up kitchen scraps, they’re a testament to creativity, sustainability, and good taste. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a home cook just discovering the joys of sourdough, this recipe is a must-try.

It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and delivers on all fronts: flavor, texture, nutrition, and satisfaction. So next time you’re about to toss that sourdough discard, stop and turn it into something unforgettable. One bite of these golden, sesame-sprinkled crackers and you’ll never let another spoonful go to waste again.